In a message dated 4/9/00 2:24:06 PM Pacific Daylight Time, JSKIER24(at)aol.com
writes:
<< I was wondering if anybody has heard or done a Rotary engine conversion in
a
Alpine? If anybody has I would like to know how it all fit together which
Transmission was used, how the exhaust was ran and other things like that?
I appreciate any info
Thanks for your time
Jskier24(at)aol.com >>
I did a rotary conversion back in 1983 using a 13b motor and a 5 speed tranny
from a Mazda station wagon. The cross member had to be cut to clear the pan.
The stock Mazda motor mounts were welded to the cross member the tranny came
up in the stock Alpine location and a simple plate assembly was made up that
had holes in the right location for the tranny and the stock alpine location.
I did have to eventually go with a stock (very large) Mazda muffler. The
exhaust is extremely hot an a rotary and would burn up all other mufflers in
short order. Anything in the trunk would melt. Anything! The Mazda motor was
so much lighter I had to cut the stock springs so the front end wouldn't
stick way up in the air. Stock Alpine rear end with lots of wheel hop! I went
with an after-market (Cant remember which one) oil cooler and braided lines.
Stock Mazda carb with funny oil feed. The oil pressure line was a snap as was
the electronic tach. The Speedometer cable was a custom unit. The drive shaft
was done by cutting the alpine rear and mazda front and welding them together
(driveline specialties $50). I used the Mazda radiator and a one wire
alternator from a GM.
I would buy the car back if I knew where it ended up as I loved the car.
There was so much more room to work under the hood it was amazing! It was
great to drive 200 hp, great handling, no overheating problems and repair or
tune up was a breeze.
You might also talk to Rob Gurerrea as he has a rotary alpine and his
approach is different and more refined than mine.
Patrick
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